Hi @bharden - In a previous PET scan, I had an indication of hypermetabolic intake of 2.4 SUV (standard uptake value), which the radiologist characterized as mild metabolic activity. I believe whether hypermetabolic activity is greater than mild is defined by its SUV. I don't know what those values are. According to A. Mendelson, MD, on this webpage titled "What is SUV on PET Scan," https://radiologyinplainenglish.com/what-is-suv-on-pet-scan/ SUVs greater than 2.5 raise concern for cancer, but may not indicate cancer. As @colleenyoung mentions in her December 10, 2022 post, in addition to cancer, hypermetabolic activity could indicate lymph node infection or inflammation. The PET scan can't tell the difference, therefore consult your doctor to help make that determination.

Hi @bharden, welcome.
Regarding metabolic activity.
"A PET scan (positron emission tomography) works to identify areas of hypermetabolic activity anywhere in the body. A radioactive substance is given to the patient and this attaches to glucose, which is attracted to cells that are hypermetabolic. When the scan is done, these areas "light up." Often, but not always, cancer cells fall into this category of being hypermetabolic. In addition, not everything that is hypermetabolic is cancer."

The scan cannot differentiate between cancer cells or other situations like infection or inflammation that may be causing this activity.

Seeing test results before having a chance to talk to your doctor can be worrisome. Have you had a chance to discuss the results with your doctor in the meantime? What did you learn?